Disaster Preparedness
The CNEHJ Nurses Disaster Preparedness Committee is helping to educate and engage nurses about extreme weather events.
In the face of natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies, nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the population. Understanding disaster protocols and having the skills to implement them can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with such events. Moreover, nurses can use their trusted voices to educate communities on the importance of preparedness, advocate for robust emergency response systems, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive disaster plans. By being well-prepared, nurses not only protect their patients but also contribute to the resilience and recovery of the entire community.
Californians face a variety of disasters, each with unique challenges. Floods, wildfires, extreme heat, landslides, and drought are common, though their occurrence varies by region. Climate change, considered the greatest public health threat, exacerbates these events, increasing their frequency and severity. This results in significant health impacts, including injury, illness, and death, along with mental health challenges.
Floods can lead to waterborne diseases and injuries, while wildfires pose risks of burns and respiratory issues due to smoke inhalation. Extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and exacerbate chronic conditions. Landslides can result in traumatic injuries, and drought can lead to water shortages, affecting both hydration and sanitation.
Communities of color, low-income groups, children, and those with limited English proficiency are among the most at risk of negative health outcomes brought upon by climate change. These groups often lack the resources to adequately prepare for or recover from disasters. Nurses must be vigilant in recognizing and addressing the needs of these vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to preparedness resources and healthcare services. Through education, advocacy, and direct care, nurses can help mitigate the health impacts of disasters and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Being Ready Means Making a Plan
Creating a disaster preparedness plan is essential for ensuring safety and resilience in the face of emergencies. By being proactive and prepared, you can reduce the impact of disasters and protect yourself and your patients. All of this information provides a framework that can be customized and expanded to suit individual needs and circumstances.
Preparation Checklist
-
-
- Sign up for local emergency alerts.
- Monitor weather reports and air quality indexes (AQI) using apps like AirNow and AQICN.
-
Emergency Kit (Go Bag):
-
- Pack an emergency kit including:
- N95 masks
- Medications (2-week supply)
- First aid kit
- Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- Important documents (identification, insurance, medical records)
- Cell phone chargers
- Personal hygiene items
Home Preparedness:
-
-
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.
- Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed.
- Use weather stripping or caulking to close gaps.
- Keep an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your home.
-
Evacuation Plan:
-
-
- Create and practice a family evacuation plan.
- Know multiple routes out of your neighborhood.
- Identify a meeting point for your family.
-
Vehicle Preparedness:
-
- Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full.
- Have an emergency kit in your car.
- Keep a map of the area and evacuation routes.
Wildfires
Climate change has significantly increased the risk and extent of wildfires in California and the Western United States. Warmer, drier conditions, along with increased drought and longer fire seasons, have led to a substantial rise in wildfire frequency and intensity. The past two decades have seen some of the largest wildfires in history, with 17 of the largest occurring within this period. Understanding these dynamics highlights the urgency of being prepared for wildfires, which includes creating defensible spaces, having evacuation plans, and keeping emergency kits ready. Below are a few resources that can help guide our practice and our patients through specific disasters.
Health Risk Assessment Tools for Wildfires
Risk assessment tools create a standard for nurses to identify and understand risk factors, enabling them to develop an effective plan of care tailored to individual needs.
During a Wildfire or Poor Air Quality Event
Staying safe and remaining calm is vital during a wildfire event to effectively navigate the situation.
Safety Guide
Stay Indoors:
-
-
- Close all windows and doors.
- Use an air purifier or create a clean room with a portable fan and filter.
- Avoid using anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, and gas stoves.
-
Use Protective Gear:
-
-
- Wear N95 masks if you must go outside.
- Ensure the mask fits snugly around your nose and mouth.
-
Keep Hydrated:
-
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.
-
-
- Regularly check AQI levels.
- Follow local health guidelines based on AQI readings.
-
Limit Outdoor Activity:
-
-
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
-
Communication:
-
-
- Keep in touch with family and friends.
- Have a battery-powered radio for updates if power is lost.
-
Evacuation:
-
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Follow your evacuation plan and take your emergency kit.
After a Wildfire or Poor Air Quality Event
A post-wildfire event plan is essential for managing both physical and emotional stress, offering a structured approach to recovery and rebuilding after the disaster.
Recovery Guide
Return Safely:
-
-
- Only return home when authorities say it’s safe.
- Open windows to air out your home if air quality has improved.
-
Monitor Health:
-
-
- Watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
- Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms.
- Continue using air purifiers if air quality is still poor.
-
Insurance Claims:
-
-
- Document any damage with photos.
- Contact your insurance company to start the claims process.
-
Stay Informed:
-
-
- Continue monitoring local news and weather reports.
- Be aware of ongoing risks or additional warnings.
-
Clean Up Safely:
-
-
- Wear protective clothing and N95 masks during cleanup.
- Clean surfaces with a damp cloth to remove ash and dust.
- Avoid stirring up dust.
-
Emotional Support:
-
-
- Recognize the emotional impact of a disaster.
- Seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.
-
Financial Assistance:
-
-
- Look for disaster assistance programs in your area.
- Contact local aid organizations for help.
-
